Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. As a major public health issue, it is often associated with loss of work productivity producing massive economic burden on individuals and society.
Low Back Pain can have many different causes making each case unique. Common diagnoses include disc herniations, facet syndrome, spondylopathy, spondylolisthesis, and/or radiculopathy. These diagnoses only provide a small portion of the overall picture. While having an accurate diagnosis can help, having a thorough movement assessment of the low back, hips, and thoracic spine to identify the root cause of the condition is vital.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently endorsed Chiropractic care, dry needling, functional exercise, and massage as evidence-based therapies in the treatment of low back pain. WHO guidelines also recommended to avoid commonly used forms of medication (opioids, muscle relaxants, acetaminophen), TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, traction, and braces with scathing reviews (see below).
How USP treats Low Back Pain
At United Spine & Performance, you will be taken through a comprehensive medical history and full body assessment to ensure you have a proper diagnosis. The most important determination is whether conservative care (i.e. treatment without the use of medication, injections, and/or surgery) is right for you. Then in most cases, treatment will begin on your first visit.
Since most low back pain cases are associated with thoracic, lumbar, and/or hip dysfunction, Dr. Oakley skillfully identifies the root cause. Most muscle, nerve, and joint pains can resolve quickly with an efficient treatment strategy – often in only days to weeks.
Dr. Oakley uses a combination of Chiropractic care, Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (McKenzie Method), Acupuncture/Dry Needling, Soft Tissue Manipulation, and Rehab to assess and treat both the low back pain and the structures to relieve low back tension.
Once we have found the treatments and home exercises that decrease your symptoms and improve how your body is functioning, you are on the way to living your life without limits! If your condition is something we are unable to treat in the office, Dr. Oakley will know within the first few visits. She will then recommend the correct medical provider that can find a solution for you.
“Chiropractors have consistently high levels of patient satisfaction as a consequence of strong, empathic communication, a hands-on approach, their use of exercise and lifestyle advice, and their support for inter-professional and collaborative care models.”
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240081789